Centre-back: James Tarkowski (Burnley) – A goal-line clearance showed his defiance as Burnley kept Crystal Palace out to show why they are not missing the sold Michael Keane. Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images

Centre-back: Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United) – A goal-line clearance at one end, a goal at the other. Newcastle’s captain led by example in the absence of ill manager Rafa Benitez. Stu Forster / Getty Images

Left-back: Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City) – Surged forward time and again against Liverpool. His quality crossing led to the first of Leroy Sane’s two goals in a 5-0 rout. Stu Forster / Getty Images

Right midfield: Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City) – A wonderful pass to Sergio Aguero brought the first of two assists against Liverpool to open the Belgian’s account for the season. Rui Vieira / AP Photo

Centre midfield: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea) – Now has as many goals against Leicester as he managed for them. Kante starred and scored on his homecoming. Mike Egerton / PA

Centre midfield: Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford) – The midfield powerhouse has started the season in style with two goals. Watford’s win at Southampton was a superb result. Hannah McKay / Reuters